97 Books and Articles of Interest When Wedge Had The Edge Overview—From Back Cover of Book When the 1968 Paris Motor Show opened, a surreal wedge-shaped sculpture of steel, glass, and layers of scaly metal astounded show-goers with its daring shape and extraordinary form. The Alfa Romeo Carabo was an exercise in lateral thinking at just about every level. With headlamps covered by retractable slats and, for the first time, doors that opened with scissor action, the Carabo rewrote the rules of automobile design, kick-starting an avalanche of wedge forms — a trend that remained in vogue for the best part of the next two decades. A bold departure from traditional automotive design, captivating the imagination and emphasizing sharp lines, low profiles and angular contours, the wedge shape, characterized by a sharply-tapered front end that widens towards the rear, was not merely a stylistic choice, but a reflection of advancements in aerodynamics and engineering. By minimizing drag and improving stability at high speeds, these cars demonstrated a commitment to performance and efficiency. Iconic examples like the Alfa Romeo Carabo, Ferrari Modulo, Lancia Strato’s Zero and the Maserati Boomerang, as well as series production cars, such as the DeTomaso Pantera, Lamborghini Countach, and the Lotus Esprit epitomized the wedge design ethos, captivating enthusiasts and shaping perceptions of automotive style for generations to come. Their striking silhouettes became synonymous with speed, power and innovation.
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